changes of direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "changes of direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe shifts in movement, strategy, or focus in various contexts, such as sports, business, or personal decisions. Example: "The coach emphasized the importance of making quick changes of direction during the game to outmaneuver the opponents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Books

Sports

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trying to cope engendered several changes of direction.

The Guardian

Mr. Waterman's death ended an accomplished life, but one with many abrupt changes of direction.

The New York Times

Some singers have also had difficulties with Strauss's frequent tangents and changes of direction.

The New York Times - Arts

But exploration can demand changes of direction, and these worried even his admirers.

The Guardian - Arts

Cutbacks and changes of direction have, however, been become a feature of life at the company.

The Guardian

But the Barclays' regime has been marked by cutbacks and changes of direction.

The Guardian

Viewed from the Olympian heights of hindsight, Hay's many changes of direction appear crazily deranged.

The Guardian - Books

As with most changes of direction, there was a risk to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kevin O'Day's "Principia" is a jazzy piece filled with fast pivots and sudden changes of direction.

The New York Times

By sudden changes of direction, he managed to throw his rivals and allies off balance.

The Guardian

The first is frenetic, with nervous changes of direction and gusts of emotion.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing shifts in strategy or plans, consider using "changes of direction" to convey adaptability and responsiveness to new information or circumstances. However, also think about whether more specific terms like "course corrections" or "strategic realignments" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "changes of direction" as a vague placeholder. Instead, provide specific details about the nature of the changes and the reasons behind them. For instance, instead of saying "The project underwent several changes of direction", specify "The project's scope was narrowed due to budget constraints, leading to a change in direction towards a more focused deliverable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "changes of direction" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing shifts in strategy, movement, or focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Books

8%

Sports

7%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "changes of direction" is a grammatically sound and very common noun phrase used to describe alterations in course, strategy, or focus. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and applicability across diverse fields. While generally neutral in register, its formality adapts to the surrounding context. For more specific situations, consider using alternatives such as "shifts in direction" or "strategic realignments" to enrich your writing and convey precise meaning. Be mindful not to overuse the phrase vaguely and ensure your writing provides specific details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shifts in direction

This alternative uses "shifts" as a synonym for "changes", slightly altering the emphasis but maintaining the core meaning.

redirections

A more concise synonym for changes of direction. It implies a new direction is being taken.

alterations in course

This phrase employs more formal vocabulary, replacing "changes" with "alterations" and "direction" with "course".

changes in trajectory

This alternative is particularly suitable when discussing physical movement or progress toward a goal.

course corrections

This alternative implies a deliberate adjustment to a planned path, often used in a navigational or strategic context.

strategic realignments

This phrase is more specific to business or strategic contexts, suggesting a fundamental shift in strategy.

pivots

A more concise and modern term, often used in business to describe a significant change in strategy or approach.

directional adjustments

This is a more technical-sounding alternative, suitable for contexts where precision is important.

reversal of course

Implies a complete turnaround or a move in the opposite direction.

new tacks

Employs nautical terminology, suggesting a change in sailing direction, but can be used metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "changes of direction" in a sentence?

You can use "changes of direction" to describe shifts in movement, strategy, or focus. For example: "The company's success was attributed to its ability to adapt and make quick "changes of direction" when faced with market challenges."

What are some alternatives to "changes of direction"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "shifts in direction", "course corrections", or "strategic realignments".

Is it better to say "change of direction" or "changes of direction"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "change of direction" refers to a singular instance, while "changes of direction" implies multiple shifts or adjustments. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation you're describing.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "changes of direction"?

The phrase "changes of direction" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the dynamic nature of a process or situation, highlighting how it has evolved or adapted over time. It is suitable in many contexts such as sports, business, or personal decisions.